National Wild Turkey Federation Inc.

Overview

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of hunting heritage in North America. Founded in 1973, it has played a crucial role in wildlife conservation, particularly in restoring and managing wild turkey populations.

History

The NWTF was established in response to the decline of wild turkey populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In the early 1970s, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. Today, thanks to the efforts of the NWTF and its partners, the population has grown to over 7 million[1][2].

The organization was officially chartered in 1973 by Tom Rodgers, who envisioned a national organization focused on wild turkey conservation. Early milestones include the establishment of the first fundraising banquet in 1983 and the launch of the "Wild Turkey Super Fund" program in 1985, which supports conservation, habitat restoration, and education projects[5].

Mission and Achievements

The NWTF's core mission is to conserve wild turkeys and preserve hunting traditions. It achieves this through several key strategies:

• Habitat Conservation: The organization has been instrumental in conserving or enhancing over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, which benefits not only wild turkeys but also other species and ecosystems[1][2].

• Research and Education: The NWTF invests in research to better manage wild turkey populations and supports educational programs to promote outdoor skills and conservation awareness. It has allocated over $9 million to research projects, with significant funding in recent years[1].

• Community Engagement: Programs like JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Women in the Outdoors, and Wheelin' Sportsmen help thousands of people connect with nature and understand wildlife management[2].

• Policy Advocacy: The NWTF works with government agencies and other organizations to advocate for policies supporting conservation and hunting rights, contributing to the development of major legislation like the Farm Bill[1].

Structure and Membership

The NWTF operates with a membership base exceeding 250,000 across North America, supported by volunteers and professional staff. The organization is structured to facilitate partnerships with wildlife agencies, corporations, and other stakeholders to leverage resources effectively[2].

The NWTF leverages funding through partnerships, achieving a 4-to-1 ratio of leveraged funds, which significantly amplifies its conservation impact[1]. This collaborative approach has allowed the NWTF to spend over $372 million on habitat conservation and outreach efforts[2].

Programs and Initiatives

• Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquets: These events are the NWTF's primary fundraisers, raising money for conservation projects by selling exclusive merchandise and firearms[2].

• Making Tracks: This program coordinates the trap and transfer of wild turkeys to suitable habitats across North America, contributing to the significant increase in turkey populations over the decades[2].

• Target 2000: Launched in 1987, this initiative aimed to restore wild turkey populations across the continent by the year 2000. While the goal was not fully met by the deadline, the program remains a cornerstone of NWTF's conservation efforts[4].

The National Wild Turkey Federation continues to be a leading force in wildlife conservation, tackling emerging challenges and advocating for sustainable natural resource management practices.